The Prevailing Narrative with Matt Bilinsky

Welcome to a new episode of The Prevailing Narrative podcast! Today, we’re covering the fascinating career arc of Doug Ellin, creator of the cultural phenomenon Entourage. From his impulsive leap into Hollywood to his fiery commentary on LA politics and his surprising pickleball obsession, Doug shares insights that are as entertaining as they are thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of his work or simply curious about the inner workings of Hollywood and its shifting dynamics, this episode offers a unique perspective you won’t want to miss. Tune in to hear stories that blend humor, grit, and wisdom—perfect for anyone looking for inspiration or a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment world.Highlights:"Hollywood seemed unattainable back then; now it feels like anyone can DM a star or be part of it through social media.""I became head of the mailroom at New Line Cinema in nine weeks, but what really mattered was writing my first script and making my short film.""Michael De Luca handed me a $10,000 check from his own pocket after seeing my amateur stand-up night—that moment changed everything.""Entourage wasn’t just about fame; it was about friendships and the struggles that come with success."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction1:36 Doug Ellin's Career Arc and Early Influences 5:48 The Culture of Aspiring Hollywood Actors 9:08 Doug Ellin's Early Hollywood Experiences 20:31 The Making of "Fat Beach" and Its Impact 27:05 The Rise and Fall of "Kissing a Fool”36:12 The Success of "Entourage" and Its Cultural Impact 51:42 Doug Ellin's Political Observations and Podcasting 54:27 Deterioration of Los Angeles and Personal Safety Concerns 1:00:25 Impact of Crime on Residential Areas and Public Perception 1:04:34 Ineffective Use of Taxes and Public Services 1:06:29 Comparisons with Other States and Personal Decisions 1:08:48 Final Thoughts on California and Future Plans  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wide-ranging conversation with Charles Fain Lehman of the City Journal on prominent news items this week including:Deportation of Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalili and the battle over "free speech" that has ensued. Charles' recent article on how violent crime has decreased but public disorder (and perceptions of crime) remain high.Speculation on Trump's economic plans and the impact on his popularity, contrasted against the Democrats registering an all-time low Approval Rating of 29% last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions heat up as President Trump and Vice President Vance clash with Zelensky amid critical negotiations. The discussion dives into the nuances of U.S. support for Ukraine, examining the moral implications of military aid. Key historical parallels are drawn to unravel the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Perspectives shift on Zelensky's leadership and America's evolving role in global affairs. The podcast challenges oversimplified narratives, pushing for a deeper understanding of the ongoing geopolitical dynamics.

Movie stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are in a fierce battle having exchanged multiple 9-figure lawsuits. The tipping point came with a New York Times piece in December attempting to portray Baldoni as harasser and abuser on the set of his film "It Ends With Us". Now Baldoni's lawyer has filed a 224-page counter-suit against Lively, the NY Times, and others filled with copious evidence showing the original story to be just another in a long line of "fake news" stories by the legacy media. Ariadna Jacob had her career as a top talent manager ruined by a similar NY Times smear piece years ago, and has made it her business to analyze these topics. She has been covering the Lively/Baldoni/NY Times beef and joins me to breakdown the How, What, Why and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's 1st week was a flurry of Executive Orders aimed at destroying the liberal stranglehold over our institutions, and attacking progressive orthodoxies on immigration, DEI, gender ideology, and the size of government. I explore the nature and impact of these EOs. Also - for the first time since the Reagan 80's the "Culture Wars" are moving right. How is this happening only a few years after BLM, DEI, and the Great Awakening peaked in progressive cultural hegemony? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2024 marked a significant cultural transformation, indicating a fundamental 'vibe shift' in societal norms. The contrasting cases of Daniel Penny and Luigi Mangione unveil shifting perceptions of justice and activism. Discussions dive into the celebration and vilification surrounding these figures, raising questions about heroism and morality. Meanwhile, the controversial plans of porn star Lily Phillips spark debates on consent and exploitation, highlighting the complex narratives within feminism and individual agency in the sex industry.

The most impactful feature of last week's election was Hispanic voters shifting +24 points towards Donald Trump. One heavily Hispanic county in south Texas flipped to Trump that hadn't voted Republican since....1892. Journalist Leighton Woodhouse went straight to the source and interviewed dozens of residents of Starr County Texas on how Donald Trump and the Republicans finally won them over.Also - some quick thoughts on Trump's initial cabinet appointments. Mostly good with a couple flubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump with a shocking landslide win, completing the political resurrection of the century (at least).So many storylines: Hispanics embrace Trump, Elon Musk's role, blue states shifting right on crime, Kamala falling flat, etc.Comedian and podcaster Bridget Phetasy (Spokeswoman for the "Politically Homeless") joins me to explore all the themes and storylines around the 2024 election and the historical dynamics underlying it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump's staged shift at McDonald's has dominated the news cycle all week, with his fans wildly exuberant and the media predictably losing its mind. What does this tell us about how the race is shaping up?The biggest story you are NOT hearing about is the exposure of falsehoods peddled by the transgender movement, revealed in a Supreme Court case. These are so scandalous they have even inspired notorious Trump-hater Andrew Sullivan to consider voting for him.Katherine Dee is a brilliant culture writer and she joins me to discuss some of her best pieces including an exploration of Tumblr's role in the Woke revolution, her beliefs on claims of "cultural stagnation", and "politicians as social media personalities" and responsive fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most important non-national race of the 2024 Election Season is the race for Los Angeles District Attorney. Why? Because it is a referendum on the "criminal justice reform" movement that swept America in the late-2010s and peaked in the summer of 2020.Ultra-progressive (and Soros-funded) George Gascon became DA in 2020 with promises to build a kindler, gentler, more "fair" justice system. The results have not been good.This week I interview his opponent in the upcoming election, Nathan Hochman, a former Federal prosecutor who has promised to return common sense to the city's approach to public safety. Nathan is currently up big in the polls, signaling what the Wall Street Journal has called a "law & order revolt" in ultra-liberal Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices